The Junior Carp Camp 2010 kicked this month into action. I won’t go on too much about the event, as you can read all about it by following the link below.
I will just say a big thank you to everyone involved. I would not normally go in for product/company endorsements, but it wouldn’t be right not to mention the generosity shown by Korda, Nash & CC Moore. The youngsters all received gifts from these people that would have kept me happy throughout my childhood, never mind a weekend, so a massive thank you to them, and last but by no means least, I must mention Paul Boichat, who structured and orchestrated the whole event and worked tirelessly throughout to ensure everything ran smoothly. Well done Paul, take a bow son. Leave the hemp to someone else next year though Paul.
Above: Nick Baron Morgan
Below: Lee Wells
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On to the fishing now. The carp had another go at spawning when the Juniors left, which put the brakes on what has so far been a phenomenal year for catches. It does seem that the fishing has slowed right down when in actual fact it is probably fishing okay. It's just that Spring was so productive, and I think we all got a bit spoiled. Fish are still being caught, we're just having to work a bit harder for them.
Doing exactly that this month and being well rewarded for his efforts is Nick Baron-Morgan, who in two short sessions at Horseshoe has had numerous fish including three good 30s. He tells me that his 'secret bait is working well'.
Lee Wells enjoyed his first visit to Horseshoe and sent us this picture of one of two lovely looking carp of 22lb and 24lb respectively. He also sent us a few words which I'll repeat here:
"Hi Carp Society! I joined on a year's ticket on 16 June and fished a couple of nights. After speaking to Miles, he said the fishing has been slow after they spawned again a couple of weekends back, so was well pleased when I caught my first Horseshoe fish just shy of 24lb. Just like to say thanks for a great first trip and a well run fishery. Will be back up very soon."
Lee Wells |
Above: Dean Young
Below: Alan Stansfield
Below: Sylvia Heywood
Some of the local inhabitants!
And a solitary daffodil - late!
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Dean Young and Alan Stansfield made the journey down from Nottingham and watched the England games with us, as well as catching a couple of carp weighing 20lb and 25lb.
Talking of the England games, I was rather hoping to tell you we would be showing all England's games en route to the final, but I think the wish certainly was the father of that thought. Once again, as in the last world cup four years ago, we were without doubt the worst team there. Not to mention not even qualifying for the Euros. How players who look world class week in week out can look like they've never seen a football when they pull an England shirt on, I don't know. I won't pretend I know what the answer is, but I do know if you look in any professional club's academy car park you won't find many cars worth under 20 grand, make what you will of that. Anyway my £10 on Holland is still looking good.
On to more pleasing matters and Luke Pulpett sent us this picture of a lovely 25lb common. What's most pleasing about this picture is the way Luke obviously has the welfare of the fish at the forefront of his mind, well done Luke. (pic to come)
New Annual Permit Holder, Stephen Kendrick, recently made the long journey from Merseyside and managed to put three 20s on the bank. IanMcCreery and son Luke had a good session this month and managed over ten decent carp between them.
The best catch this month has to be from Shaun Royds and Sylvia Heywood. You may remember from blogs gone by that Sylvia recently caught a couple of nice fish. This time round Shaun got in on the act with a 17lb mirror and a lovely 25lb
zip linear. Not to be outdone though, Sylvia only went and caught a fantastic 37lb mirror. On closer inspection of this photo and having a few second opinions, I'm pretty sure this fish is Patch, the weight threw me a bit as it's 8lb or do down on its highest weight, but given a few of the lads saw Patch spawning a few weeks ago and looking at the photo it does appear like she's done the walk of shame. I'm 99% sure it is Patch, so well done Sylvia, you've caught the lake record fish, allbeit down in weight but nevertheless it's still the lake record fish.
Quality fishing.
Like I said earlier, the fishing has been slower but these are just a few of the fish been caught this month, so get yourselves down here and get in on the aqct.
The Tench have started to get caught on a more regular basis now. Gavin Bailey had a nice 10lb one the other day, and a chap on the Lagoon had six recently. Mick Woolgar was doing a spot of float fishing recently and had several Rudd over 2lb.
David and I managed to get a few hours Tench fishing recently. Well, David said we were Tench fishing, starting at a static float would be a more accurate description. Not a sausage!
Although Horseshoe is predominantly a Carp water, the quality of other species in here makes it more than worthwhile for all anglers to pay a visit. In face, the biodiversity of the whole site is truly amazing.
So, even if you're not catching fish, there's so much to see and admire here, you couldn't fail to be impressed. Which leads me on to thanking everyone in helping to keep the place looking magnificent. Even the toilets are being kept clean. So thank you. If it carries on like this I might even cancel toilet training.
That is, except for the person who found it necessary to defecate outside the main gate, just a message to you, don't come back. You are actually on CCTV doing it so we know who you are. In fact you might catch a glimpse of yourself on
'You've Been Framed'. |
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Above and below: Richard Shelley
 Above: Shaun Royds
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On to Farriers now and here are a couple of pictures from Richard Shelley with fish he had from Farriers recently.
Dave Jones also sent us a couple of nice pictures from Farriers.
I'm afraid if you want to see more of Farriers fish you'll have to look in Carp Talk or one of the other magazines. Obviously being seen in them is more remunerative than sticking a few pictures on the Carp Society website. Ooohh! the lure of fame and fortune....
Places are filling up nicely for the ever popular Adult Masterclass, so if you have been struggling to catch, then if you do one thing this year, get your name down for this event. It's a fantastic weekend and as well as picking up some valuable lessons you'll also have a good time, guaranteed! You'll probably go home a few stone heavier though.
Whilst I'm here, can I just remind everyone that the hours of entry for non permit holders are 0900am to 1700pm. No one is allowed in before or after these times. We fully understand that because of work commitments etc, that these times may not be possible for some members, especially those travelling a long way after work. We have tried to overcome this by offering a Summer Permit option, (as opposed to the £400 Annual permit), this enabling you to come and go as you please. This option has been very successful and I would urge anyone having difficulty getting here during opening times, to seriously consider taking a Summer Permit next year. The opening times we enforce are strictly for your security, your safety and your peace of mind. You hear some dreadful stories from lakes up and down the country and we here at the Carp Society are 100% committed to your safety and enjoyment whilst you are with us, so a little understanding and respect of the rules would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you. |
Dave Sales and well placed tench!
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And finally, just to update you on the Mr Horseshoe contest, Warrington John has now been expelled, aparently he had a couple of socks down his Speedos during the swminwear event.
Till next time
Miles |
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